New York Attorney General Letitia James has issued a statement following a federal court decision that allows an antitrust lawsuit against Live Nation to proceed. The U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York rejected Live Nation’s request to dismiss all claims in the case, which was brought by Attorney General James, a bipartisan group of 40 other attorneys general, and the U.S. Department of Justice.
“Live Nation has used its monopoly to rig the live events industry to its benefit, driving up costs with higher ticket prices and outrageous fees. We brought this lawsuit to deliver justice to fans, artists, and venues across the country, and now a court has ruled that our lawsuit will go to trial. Regardless of the path that the Department of Justice takes, my office will continue this case and we will see Live Nation in court,” said Attorney General James.
The lawsuit was filed in May 2024 by Attorney General James, who alleges that Live Nation’s dominance in the live events sector has resulted in fewer choices and higher costs for consumers, venues, and artists. Judge Arun Subramanian’s ruling denies part of Live Nation’s motion for summary judgment. As a result, the trial is set to begin on March 2.
Other states joining New York and the DOJ in this action include Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota,Tennessee,T exas,U tah,V ermont,V irginia,W ashington,W est Virginia,W isconsin,W yoming,and the District of Columbia.
The case for New York is being managed by Assistant Attorneys General Jonathan Hatch,L uisa di Lauro,and Juliana Karp under Deputy Bureau Chief Amy McFarlane and Bureau Chief Elinor Hoffmann from the Antitrust Bureau.The Division of Economic Justice oversees these efforts with leadership from Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
The New York Attorney General acts as a public law enforcement agency providing legal advocacy throughout New York State.It offers services such as consumer fraud investigations,charities oversight,and tenant dispute mediation through regional offices statewide.The office also promotes social justice,civil rights enforcement,and community well-being.Letitia James currently leads this agency.
